Hibernian end 114-year wait with Scottish Cup success

Hibernian ended a 114-year wait to lift the William Hill Scottish Cup with a 3-2 victory over Rangers at Hampden Park.

David Gray’s injury-time header sealed a remarkable comeback for Alan Stubbs’ team, who had been trailing with ten minutes to go.

An early goal from Anthony Stokes had given Hibernian the lead after just three minutes, but an equaliser from Kenny Miller before the interval and a stunning strike from Andy Halliday in the second half looked to have sent the trophy to Ibrox.

A header from Anthony Stokes ten minutes from time brought Hibs level before Gray’s last-minute header secured the trophy’s passage to Edinburgh.

Alan Stubbs made three changes to the Hibernian side that were dramatically defeated by Falkirk in last Friday’s Scottish Premiership play-off semi-final. Jason Cummings and Liam Fontaine returned to the Starting XI, as did Conrad Logan, the hero from the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Dundee United.

Rangers, who hadn’t played since the final day of the Scottish Championship season on May 1st, remained unchanged from that 2-2 draw away to St Mirren three weeks ago.

Hibernian got off to the best start imaginable. Three minutes, Anthony Stokes found himself in space on the left wing. The Republic of Ireland international cut onto his right and eased the ball past Wes Foderingham to give the Easter Road side the lead.

Alan Stubbs’ team looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with Stokes, Jason Cummings and John McGinn all creating chances in the opening 25 minutes.

The team from Leith were to regret not capitalising on these chances after 27 minutes, however. A dangerous cross from James Tavernier on the right wing found Kenny Miller in the Hibs’ penalty box. The former Hibernian striker headed firmly past Logan to level the score at Hampden Park.

The score stayed at 1-1 until the interval, although both scorers nearly doubled their individual tallies. Moments after Miller had equalised Stokes’ effort from distanced cannoned off the post, while at the other end Miller had a header that crashed off the framework.

Much like in the first half, Hibernian were lively from the kick-off. A strike from Stokes from 25 yards forced a fine save from Foderingham, while Liam Fontaine had a header that went inches wide ten minutes later.

With 25 minutes to go, it was Rangers who were to take the lead.

Andy Halliday found time outside the Hibernian penalty box, and with a thunderous strike with his left foot the midfielder sent the Rangers fans wild.

However, Stokes and Gray etched their names into Hibernian folklore with late headers to end Hibernian’s wait.